Identification and chromosomal mapping of a third mouse runt-like locus

The Drosophila runt gene, which controls early events in embryogenesis, has been shown to have homologues in human and mouse. The human gene on 21q22 is involved in the t(8;21) associated with acute myeloid leukemia. Two mouse runt-like loci encoding DNA-binding proteins have been identified. We report here the isolation and partial sequence of a molecular clone of a third mouse runt-like locus. By using a panel of somatic cell hybrids and interspecific backcross mice, we map the novel locus to the telomeric region of mouse chromosome 4.     

Detection of dilute antigen in large sample volumes using antibody-coated polyester cloth

Summary A model antibody, goat anti-rabbit IgG antibody, was adsorbed onto a disk of polyester cloth and then fixed into a column apparatus. The macroporosity of the cloth allowed rapid immunoconcentration of a model antigen, rabbit IgG, by passing a large volume of the dilute antigen through the antibody-coated cloth. Such immunoconcentration permitted detection of the dilute antigen which otherwise would have gone undetected.     

Changes in calmodulin and its mRNA accompany reentry of quiescent (G0) cells into the cell cycle

Release of CHO-K1 cells from plateau or stationary phase and reentry into the cell cycle is specifically and reversibly blocked at two distinct sites by the anticalmodulin drug W13. The first block occurs early during release while the cells are still at G0/G1, whereas the second occurs later in reentry during early S phase. As determined by radioimmunoassay, calmodulin levels undergo changes at three distinct steps in plateau-phase entry and release. First, the entry of exponentially growing cells into plateau phase is accompanied by an increase in the calmodulin level. The second change is a reduction in the calmodulin content of cells within the first hour following release from plateau phase. The third change is the subsequent increase in calmodulin levels, which precedes entry of the cells into S phase. Analysis of calmodulin mRNA levels by dot-blot hybridization demonstrates that the changes in calmodulin protein are preceded by changes in calmodulin mRNA. Furthermore, whereas a decrease in CaM mRNA is observed within the first hour following plateau release, no such decrease is observed for beta-actin mRNA, suggesting that this decrease may be selective for calmodulin. This selectivity is further substantiated by the fact that identical changes in calmodulin and calmodulin mRNA are observed in cells released from plateau by two different techniques. Taken together, these data suggest that calmodulin may play an important role in the reentry of cells into the cell cycle.     

The pharmacological actions of 5-hydroxytryptamine,FMRF-amide and substance P and their possible occurrence in the heart of the snail Helix aspersa L.

The actions of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), FMRF-amide and substance P were tested on the isolated heart of Helix aspersa. All three compounds were found to produce positive inotropic and chronotropic effects, the order of potency being 5-HT > substance P > FMRF-amide. However, whereas the responses to 5-HT and FMRF-amide were maximal within a few seconds, the response to substance P had a longer latency. Two other similar undecapeptides, eledoisin and physalaemin, were also tested and were found to have very similar actions to those of substance P. The effects of 5-HT and FMRF-amide could be separated using the 5-HT blockers methysergide and ketanserin, which had relatively little effect on the response to FMRF-amide.Immunohistochemical staining was carried out on sections through the Helix auricle and ventricle for 5-HT, FMRF-amide and substance P. Substantial 5-HT-like and substance P-like immunoreactivity was observed, apparently concentrated in nerve endings, but the level of FMRF-amide-like immunoreactivity was considerably lower. The fluorescence produced by all three compounds was evenly distributed throughout the heart tissue. HPLC analysis of heart tissue extract demonstrated a high level of 5-HT (about 8 μg/g wet weight) but a negligible catecholamine content.     

Binding of simple carbohydrates and some N-acetyllactosamine-containing oligosaccharides to Erythrina cristagalli agglutinin as followed with a fluorescent indicator ligand

Erythrina cristagalli agglutinin, a dimeric lectin [J. L. Iglesias, et al. (1982) Eur. J. Biochem.123, 247–252] was shown by equilibrium dialysis to be bivalent for 4-methylumbelliferyl-β-d-galactoside. Upon binding to the lectin, this ligand showed a difference absorption spectrum with two maxima (at 322 and 336 nm) of equal intensity (Δ? = 1.2 × 10³m^?1 cm^?1). A similar spectrum with a comparable value of Δ? was obtained with 4-methylumbelliferyl-N-acetyl-β-d-galactosaminide. Binding of methyl-α-d-galactoside, lactose, and N-acetyllactosamine all produced small but equally intense protein difference spectra with a maximum (Δ? = 2.8 × 10² M^?1 cm^?1) at 291.6 nm. Upon binding of N-dansyl-d-galactosamine to the lectin, there was a fivefold increase in fluorescence intensity of this ligand. The association constant for N-dansyl-d-galactosamine was caused by a very favorable ΔS° of the dansyl group without affecting the strictly carbohydrate-specific character of binding. N-Dansyl-d-galactosamine was employed as a fluorescent indicator ligand in substitution titrations. This involved the use of simple carbohydrates, N-acetyllactosamine, and oligosaccharides which occur in the carbohydrate units of N-glycoproteins; the latter were Gal(β → 4)GlcNAc(β1 → 2)Man, Gal(β1 → 4)GlcNAc(β1 → 6)Man, and Gal(β1 → 4)GlcNAc(β1 → 6)[Gal(β1 → 4)GlcNAc(β1 → 2)]Man. The titrations were performed at two temperatures to determine the thermodynamic parameters. In the series N-acetyl-d-galactosamine, methyl-α-d-galactoside, and lactose, ?ΔH° increased from 24 to 41 kJ mol^?1; it increased further for N-acetyllactosamine and then remained unchanged for the N-acetyllactosamine-containing oligosaccharides (55 ± 1 kJ mol^?1). This indicated that the site specifically accommodated the disaccharide structure with an important contribution of the 2-acetamido group in the penultimate sugar. Beyond this, no additional contacts seemed to be formed. This conclusion also followed from considerations of ΔS° values which became more unfavorable in the above series (?23 to ?101 ± 4 J mol^?1 K^?1); the most negative value of ΔS° was observed with N-acetyllactosamine and the three N-acetyllactosamine-containing oligosaccharides.     

Skeletal changes associated with vascular malformations

Five hundred and eighty birthmarks were reviewed; 356 were hemangiomas and 224 were malformations. Bony alterations occurred in association with only 1 percent of hemangiomas, in contrast with 34 percent of patients with vascular malformations. These alterations in bone development were classified according to size, shape, and density changes. Hypertrophy and distortion were typical of lymphatic malformations. Hypoplasia and demineralization were characteristic findings in the extremity venous malformations. Destructive and intraosseous changes were more commonly noted in the arterial or high-flow lesions. Possible mechanisms of altered skeletal growth include mechanical, physiological, and developmental processes.     

Field and laboratory observations of spawning periodicity and behavior of a northern population of the Atlantic silverside,Menidia menidia (Pisces: Atherinidae)

Synopsis The spawning periodicity and mating behavior of a northern population of the Atlantic silverside, Menidia menidia, was studied both in the field (Salem Harbor, Massachusetts) and in laboratory experiments. Spawning in the field coincided with new and full moons. Under conditions of unlimited food availability in artificial outdoor pools that received natural celestial illumination or in indoor aquaria receiving no evening illumination, spawning occurred every 1–3 days rather than fortnightly. These results suggest that tidal influences are a primary factor that synchronizes spawning in M. menidia. Published reports of diel time of spawning in both marine and freshwater species of Menidia indicate a generic tendency to spawn during mid-morning. This pattern coupled with high tides that cover suitable spawning substrates during mid-morning only at fortnightly intervals could account for the semilunar spawning cycle in marine populations of Menidia. Although general characteristics of the reproductive ecology of M. menidia in Massachusetts were similar to a thoroughly studied population in South Carolina, several differences were evident. The breeding season was shorter in Massachusetts (late; April–June), and occurred over a much lower range of temperatures (9–21°C). Intensity and frequency of spawning was correlated with the height of high tide. Eggs were deposited only on mats of intertidal, filamentous algae rather than on roots or stems of Spartina alterniflora or other intertidal vegetation. Promiscuous spawning occurred in small, highly male-dominated groups of fish, primarily after the tide had begun to recede, and often at the water's edge. No predation on spawning adults was observed but the mummichog, Fundulus heteroclitus, fed daily on developing embryos during high tide. Contribution No. 81, Massachusetts Cooperative Fisheries Research Unit, Contribution No. 349, Marine Sciences Research Center, State University of New York at Stony Brook.